The draft Statewide Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP) for fiscal years 2007-2011 is available statewide
for public comment.

The document identifies approximately $1 billion in transportation-related
projects planned for construction through the year 2011, plus those
planned for the first two years of the Connecting Idaho program as authorized
by the Idaho Legislature.

The
STIP lists projects by highway route and location that are planned for
each of the departments six administrative districts. It identifies
projected years for right-of-way acquisition, preliminary engineering
and construction as well as estimated project costs. The document lists
construction projects on the state highway system, highway districts
and cities, and includes aeronautics, public transportation and highway
safety.

Production of the STIP is a year-round process that relies
on extensive public involvement and input from transportation stakeholders,
including metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), elected city and
county officials, constituent groups, and concerned citizens. Input
helps the Idaho Transportation Board prioritize projects and identify
new improvements to meet the needs of Idaho travelers.

Public comment on the Draft Fiscal Year 2007 2011 STIP
will be accepted until Aug. 7. Response forms are included at the end
of each section of the plan and should be returned to the respective
ITD district. The contact person and address are listed at the top of
each comment form.

In addition to project-related information, the STIP
provides an overview of Connecting Idaho, a construction program that
will rely on Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) bonds to expedite
projects in key Idaho corridors.

It also provides information on transportation funding
and conclusions of the Forum on Transportation Investment, an independent
initiative to identify alternatives to fund surface transportation projects
over the next three decades.

Following the comment period, the Idaho Transportation
Board will review the STIP recommendations and make a final decision
this fall.

Copies of the draft STIP are available at the ITD district
offices in Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Boise, Shoshone, Pocatello, and
Rigby.